Global Conservation Efforts Are Working! But There’s One Important Next Step...

Many governments have adopted global targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. To effectively achieve these goals, it’s essential to understand the outcomes of conservation actions. Earlier this year, researchers conducted a global meta-analysis of 186 studies that measured biodiversity over time and compared conservation outcomes to a “business-as-usual” scenario.

They found that in two-thirds of cases, conservation actions either improved the state of biodiversity or slowed its decline. Specifically, interventions targeting species and ecosystems, such as reducing habitat loss, restoring forests, establishing protected areas, and implementing sustainable management practices, were highly effective.

This is fantastic news! At the Sumatran Orangutan Society, we’re proud to employ many of these highly effective strategies. We work with our partners to protect standing rainforests, connect fragmented forests, and rewild degraded areas. By safeguarding orangutans as a flagship species, we help to protect countless other unique and vulnerable animals, support sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to global climate stability.

Although this provides strong evidence that conservation is working, the researchers stress that these actions must be scaled to meet global targets. You can help, by donating to organisations like SOS!